Moore: We must move on to the real issues around separation

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore has welcomed the launch of the independence campaign today, saying it will clear the way for the debate over Scotland's future to move on to the real issues.

The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore has welcomed the launch of the independence campaign today, saying it will clear the way for the debate over Scotland’ future to move on to the real issues.

The Minister said he looked forward to making a strong case for Scotland remaining within the UK family and discussing the “far-reaching consequences” of separation in detail.

His comments came after a YouGov poll showed a clear majority of Scots remain opposed to independence.

Moore said:

“Scotland is facing its most important decision in over three hundred years.

“So I welcome the launch of the nationalists’ campaign.

“And now that the celluloid is back in the can at the Fountainpark cinema, the real debate will begin on what it would mean for people in Scotland if we separated from the rest of the UK.

“When it comes to weathering the economic storm in Europe, fixing our economy so that it creates new jobs, or investing in our public services and pensions - Scots will want to make an informed choice about what is best for them and their family.

“And I believe that on these things and so much else that the nations of the UK are stronger together and weaker apart

“Today’s poll - like so many others - shows that a clear majority of Scots feel that way too.

“I look forward to a serious debate getting under way in which the nationalists will set out their case and we will set out ours for a modern Scotland with a Scottish Parliament, strong and secure within the UK family.”

“A decision to leave the UK would have far-reaching and irreversible consequences.